Man called 911 50 times in September, police say

TAMPA -- Isidoro Acosta Jr. thought he could call 911 any time he needed medication or a ride, according to Tampa police.

The 55-year-old Tampa man, pictured at left, placed 50 such calls to 911 in September alone, an arrest report states. But Sunday morning, paramedics called police and had him arrested.

Tampa Fire Rescue Lt. Mark W. Vasquez told police that Acosta's constant calls for medical service have endangered public safety by keeping paramedics tied up. Vasquez told officers that Acosta has become aggressive when questioned about why he called 911, even though they warned him many times not to call unless he has a real medical emergency.

Acosta, of 7510 N Hubert Ave., is being held at Orient Road Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

- Rebecca Catalanello, Times staff writer

[Photo: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office]

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